I’m writing to correct and clarify the reporter’s paraphrasing of my comments on May 12, 2015 to Cook County commissioners regarding all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use on certain portions of the Gunflint Trail.
The Cook County News-Herald reporter wrote that I “thought the shoulders were wide enough to accommodate ATVs….”
I did not say that at all. I had responded to concerns expressed about the Gunflint Trail and ATV safety. I did say that road safety concerns about ATVs on the Gunflint Trail also apply to bicycles, motorcycles, cars, etc. I recognize many Cook County roads have very limited shoulder widths. Recognizing this, it is already legal for ATVs to drive on the right hand side of the roads, including most paved roads in this county.
At the meeting, perhaps I should have noted that side-byside ATVs are already permitted (MN state law) to drive the entire Gunflint Trail. As vehicles, ATVs are somewhere between an on-off road motorcycle and a downsized, Jeep-like SUV both of which are already legal on all Minnesota roadways.
Responsible, attentive, lawabiding drivers, regardless of their vehicle of choice, should be able to safely navigate the Gunflint Trail unless driving conditions are hazardous. Reckless, careless, distracted or otherwise impaired drivers cannot safely drive any of Cook County’s varied roadways, including the Gunflint Trail.
I would hope that all drivers will recognize that is to everyone’s benefit that they share the roadways with all vehicles, obey the speed limits, and know their vehicle’s capabilities and safety limitations.
Further, I would hope people will not discriminate against my four-wheel-drive wheelchair (my ATV).
Gary Siesennop
Grand Marais
Leave a Reply